By Lee Groves

Contrary to a report that appeared in the "Page Six" section of Friday’s New York Post, Mike Tyson is not yet eligible for enshrinement into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, N.Y.

The brief posted on the newspaper’s web site said that Tyson learned of his election this past Friday. "Mike is so delighted," a Tyson representative was quoted as saying. "It has been an amazing year for him so far," a reference to his being a guest of honor at the Golden Globes for his cameo in "The Hangover" as well as a critically acclaimed film based on Tyson’s life. The story of Tyson’s elevation was picked up by The Times of India, among others, but Ed Brophy, the IBHOF’s Executive Director, provided clarification in response to this reporter’s inquiry.

"Mike Tyson will first become eligible for consideration during the Class of 2011 balloting process," Brophy said via phone Saturday afternoon. "Mike had not yet reached the eligibility threshold during the 2010 election process, which began October 1, 2009 and ended on October 31."

According to Section 3, paragraph B of the Induction Criteria of the International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum, "Modern candidates must be retired from boxing for five years prior to election." Tyson’s final fight was a sixth round TKO loss to Kevin McBride on June 11, 2005, and since a fighter must be retired five full years prior to eligibility, that means his first opportunity before the voters will occur this coming October 1 when ballots are mailed out to electors.

This past December the IBHOF announced the Class of 2010 that includes Danny "Little Red" Lopez, Jung Koo Chang and Lloyd Marshall, who were elected in the Modern Category – the category for which Tyson will appear once he becomes eligible.

That is, unless Tyson attempts a comeback sometime this year. In that case Tyson would not be eligible for the 2011 ballot if he has a fight prior to the 2011 election process.

Tyson is likely to compete with fellow first-ballot luminaries Julio Cesar Chavez and Kostya Tszyu for one of the three spots for the Modern Class of 2011.

This year’s induction ceremony is set for Sunday, June 13.